An evening celebrating female chefs and historic preservation
With fewer than 30 coveted seats, this exclusive evening offers a rare glimpse inside the private residence of preservationist Johnny Maybank. Fresh from the first phase of its historic restoration, this stunning home—never before seen by the public—sets the stage for a candlelit night of fine dining, music, and conversation. We’re thrilled to showcase an exciting collaboration with Bayona’s Chef Christy Engeran and Executive Chef Haley Bittermann of Ralph Brennan Catering and Events, who will dazzle guests with a specially curated menu celebrating the talent and creativity of female chefs.
Enjoy cocktails and a special meal as you mingle with Maybank and recognized interior designer Keith Carroll, who who splits his time between New Orleans and New York. Carroll will unveil the design vision for the home, blending period furnishings, rich Creole paint colors, original French wallpaper designs with masterful local craftsmanship—a rare chance to witness history in the making and gain inspiration from one of the field’s finest.
Enchanted Evening on Esplanade is more than just a celebration—it supports the preservation of our historic houses and museum collection. Proceeds from this elegant evening help us maintain the architectural integrity of Hermann-Grima + Gallier Historic Houses, ensuring these treasures remain a vibrant part of New Orleans' cultural landscape. Your support also enhances our ability to care for our collection, preserving the stories, artifacts, and craftsmanship that make our history so rich. By joining us, you play a crucial role in safeguarding the past for future generations.
Join us on May 8, 2025, for an unforgettable evening of engaging conversation and 19th-century Creole elegance in one of New Orleans’ most storied neighborhoods. Seats are extremely limited—reserve yours now! An invitation will be mailed to paid guests.
John “Johnny” Maybank, is a native of Charleston, South Carolina, He’s an avid preservationist, having restored several historic properties in Charleston, and a licensed real estate broker in South Carolina, as well as an accomplished sailor. His love for historic properties and architecture started at a young age surrounded by the beauty and history of Charleston and continued into college at the University of Virginia.
On his first visit to New Orleans, Johnny fell in love with the great old port city - its history, culture, laissez faire rhythms and French joie de vivre. He rented an apartment in his current home on Esplanade Avenue and saw the potential of the once grand townhouse that had been divided into rental units. He knew the “bones” of the home were there and just needed a visionary and loving hand to bring it back to its original 1856’s splendor.
After purchasing the home in 2018, Johnny undertook a six year renovation with meticulous details that included eliminating the individual apartments in the main house, restoring the grand cypress mouldings and original plasterwork by local artisans, as well as installing hand-rolled German glass in all windows. The next phase will incorporate period appropriate paint colors, wallpaper and furnishings.
Once again the grand double parlor on Esplanade Avenue will host friends, family and gathering like those hosted by the home’s original owner, Madame Louise Chiapella, in the townhouse’s mid 19th-Century heyday.
A native of Louisiana, Keith unites the warmth and classicism of the deep South with a contemporary viewpoint for today’s modern lifestyles. His firm is involved in projects from coast to coast - from a Park Avenue apartment and 1930’s Beverly Hills home to an 1850’s New Orleans townhouse. Keith's professional and business background and his design expertise provide a highly-focused approach to each client's lifestyle, their individual needs, priorities and taste. Fresh color, an interesting mix of beautiful antiques and furnishings, contemporary art and accessories coupled with an eye for precise details and interesting textiles are a hallmark of his work.
Keith’s work has been featured in a wide range of publications, including The Wall Street Journal, House Beautiful, Designer Home Tours, Homeworthy and the best selling Scalamandre book Haute Decor. Follow Keith on Instagram @keithcarroll or visit his website www.keithcarroll.com.